Well, the Winter Olympics are upon us from Milan Cortina, Italy. Whether you enjoy athletics or not, watching the Olympics is always great honor and privilege to see so many who have sacrificed so much to be the best in the world at their particular sport. Since I grew up in Canada, snow and ice are no strangers to me so I particularly enjoy the Winter Olympics particularly ice hockey. I'll mention my shameless plug, go Team Canada, win the gold!
There are some interesting parallels that the scripture users to compare athletic competition to the living out of the Christian life. The Apostle Paul is the one makes this comparison. The following are some of the key athletic metaphors that he uses:
· Running the Race: In 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Paul exhorts believers to run in such a way that they "get the prize," comparing the Christian journey to a race requiring intense dedication.
· “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. 25 Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. 26 So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. 27 But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.”
· Rigorous Training/Discipline: Paul highlights the need for self-discipline, mentioning that he disciplines his body like an athlete to avoid disqualification, 2 Timothy 1:7
· “for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control,”
· Focusing on the Goal: Just as runners do not look back, Paul encourages "forgetting what is behind" (past failures or successes) and pressing forward to the finish line. Philippians 3:13-14
· “ Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
· The Eternal Prize: Unlike athletes competing for a temporary, perishable wreath, Christians strive for an eternal "crown of righteousness" or "crown that will last forever". 2 Timothy 4:7-8
· “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.”
· Boxing/Fighting: Paul describes his efforts as "fighting the fight" and not just "beating the air," suggesting purposeful, intense action against spiritual opposition. 1 Corinthians 9:26-27
“So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air.27 But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.”
So, as you watch the Olympics over the next couple of weeks compare their walk in athletics which is a temporal thing to the walk of discipline and commitment to the things that are eternal.
Colossians 3:2 is the primary Bible verse regarding focusing on heavenly things, stating “set your minds on things above, not unearthly things”. The instruction urges believers to prioritize Eternal spiritual realities over temporary earthly anxieties and desires it's their life is hidden with Christ.
One last thing to consider. I always enjoy the opening ceremonies and all the pageantry and things take place. I especially enjoy watching all the different countries come in behind their nation's flag. I like to think about that final judgment when all the nations gather together to stand before Jesus Christ. The world puts so much emphasis on things that in light of eternity, don't really matter.
On another note, I saw today where they're expecting 127 million people to view the Super Bowl which is also this weekend. The cheapest ticket in the “Nosebleed” sections of the stadium is only $5000 each. In that day when we stand before Jesus, we are promised in a number of scriptures verses that “every knee will bow in every tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord”. What a glorious day that will be. Until that day comes, we have the opportunity to practice for that day as we gather together to worship the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. I texted our worship team earlier today and told them, This Sunday is “Super” Not because of some football game but because we have the opportunity to gather together to worship our Lord, to expect miracles and to entertain his presence. May that truth never be lost to us.
Just a few things to consider if you watch the Olympics and the Super Bowl.